Our 2019 National Audition Tour has begun! As part of the tour, dancers have the opportunity to be accepted into our Summer Intensive. Dancers go beyond their technical training to expand their versatility as dancers. Hear from our teaching artists on why they think Charlotte Ballet’s Summer Intensive Program stands out from the rest. 

Learning from distinguished guest artists, our favorite resident teaching staff and even some of our very own company members, dancers ages 11-22 trained six days a week for five weeks. To showcase their hard work, the intensive ended in a Summer Repertory Performance where students of all 4 levels performed works they learned throughout the summer.

“An end of summer performance allows each dancer to share the new skills they’ve developed all summer” says former company member Jamie Dee Clifton.

“It allows the students, parents and instructors to see the technical and artistic growth in these budding artists.”

Level 4 | La Bayadere

Traci Gilchrest, répétiteur and academy instructor agrees with Jamie and thinks summer intensive students earn many benefits from this type of performance. “They learn to work towards a goal in a short amount of time” says Traci. “They perform many different styles and must learn to easily switch between them.”

Level 2 | Jazz

“The exposure and experience with performing different styles of dance gives students a more realistic understanding of the demands of a professional company.”

“Not many programs allow their students to perform the variety of works we offer at Charlotte Ballet” says Jamie.

Level 4 | Jazz

The opportunity to perform not only allows students to learn choreography, but it also changes their overall experience. Jamie believes “A performance is a tangible goal where students can easily see their growth at summer’s end. Rehearsing repertory consistently gives dancers an opportunity to refine and master a collection of steps as well as develop their artistry. This lends itself to making huge technical and artistic strides.”

Along with this idea, Traci adds, “There is a culmination of all that they have learned and it is a bonding experience for the students.”

Level 3 | Modern

“The opportunity to learn company rep is wonderful” explains Traci. “The students even had the opportunity to take class with the new Artistic Director of the company, Hope Muir.” Every dancer learns so much during summer intensive, and Traci says her favorite part is watching the students grow in their confidence.” Jamie adds,

“I love to rehearse the students in their rep for the final performance. It’s exciting to shape the dancers in the work and watch them transform in only a matter of weeks.”

Level 4 | Coppélia

Photos from 2017 Charlotte Ballet Summer Intensive